ROCHESTER — When it comes to violence at home, children can often become victims, and state Rep. Julie Brown hopes someday domestic violence will vanish from society.

In her past 24 years in the House of Representatives, Brown has strived to speak up for children, who she says often don’t have a voice.

Earlier this month, she was among those recognized for going above and beyond to end domestic and sexual violence. Brown was among five people who were inducted into the N.H. Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence Hall of Fame on Nov. 8.

It was at the coalition’s third annual hall of fame luncheon that Brown was awarded for her work throughout the years. Brown said she was glad to be surrounded by a “fantastic group of people” also being awarded.

“I was honored that I was considered for this award,” said Brown on Tuesday. “I was thrilled to get the honor, I was thrilled at how beautiful of an award that they gave.”

For her entire time in the House of Representatives, Brown has served on the Children and Family Law Committee, working on issues relating to child support, child abuse and neglect, and sexual abuse of children.

Brown said she has always shown strong support for the Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, and was always ready to testify on behalf of children, the most vulnerable population.

In her time in the Legislature, Brown has met children who have been abused, or who have witnessed domestic violence. What has struck her, she said, is “how hurt they are because they couldn’t do anything.”

“They’re in the middle of it ... and they’re little and they can’t do anything about it.”

She said the harmful effects of such violence can be long-lasting.

“They suffer long term, it stays with them, and it stays forever,” said Brown. “It puts a blight on their life.”

Brown said her advice for children who are victims of domestic violence is to speak with a trusted adult — whether it’s a policeman or a teacher at school.

“If I help in any small way I’m happy to do it,” said Brown.

Brown, 77, has four grown children and seven grandchildren.

She is a supporter of Youth Reach, a nonprofit group that aids homeless youth, and was also recently elected vice chairwoman of the Strafford County Meals on Wheels program.

Brown, who was not re-elected to the state representative position this year, will not be running again for office, she said Tuesday.

“We need to get young people involved,” she said.

Shaheen, who was the keynote speaker at the Nov. 8 luncheon, had been a longtime advocate for the rights of victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence. As governor, she created the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Committee in 1999. In 1997, she announced the state’s commitment to a major initiative designed to improve the way the health care system responds to domestic violence. New Hampshire was one of only 10 states chosen to work on this national health initiative that provided an opportunity for the creation of an education and training program.

In 2000, Shaheen launched the Corporate Citizens Initiative to help businesses recognize signs of domestic violence and offer meaningful support to employees who are experiencing it. This past year as a U.S. Senator, she urged her colleagues to support the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) with full protective provisions in place.